Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised May 31, 2026

Darrell Nicholson

Darrell Nicholson is an American former professional football linebacker. After a career at North Carolina, where he earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors in 1980 when the Tar Heels finished 11–1 and won the ACC with a 6–0 record, Nicholson was selected by the New York Giants in the 1982 NFL draft. After only one season, he joined the Toronto Argonauts and helped the team win the 71st Grey Cup.

Last revised
May 31, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
271 w
Citations
4
Source
Darrell Nicholson
No. 29, 72
PositionLinebacker
Personal information
Born (1959-08-23) August 23, 1959
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Listed weight235 lb (107 kg)
Career information
High schoolNorth Forsyth (NC)
CollegeNorth Carolina
NFL draft1982: 6th round, 156th overall pick
Career history
Awards and highlights

Darrell Nicholson (born August 23, 1959) is an American former professional football linebacker. After a career at North Carolina, where he earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors in 1980 when the Tar Heels finished 11–1 and won the ACC with a 6–0 record, Nicholson was selected by the New York Giants in the 1982 NFL draft.1 After only one season, he joined the Toronto Argonauts and helped the team win the 71st Grey Cup.2

In his junior season at UNC, where he was a teammate of Lawrence Taylor, Nicholson led the Tar Heels in tackles with 75 solos and 42 assists.3 He had been the ACC Rookie of the Year in 1978.4

His sons A. J. Nicholson and Derek Nicholson played for the Florida State Seminoles.

References

References

  1. "Fsu's Nicholson Turns Recruiter On Trip Home". Sun-Sentinel. October 24, 2004. Archived from the original on September 27, 2013. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  2. "A.J. Nicholson, Florida State, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  3. "The Top 20 - 08.31.81 - SI Vault". Archived from the original on September 28, 2013. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  4. Powell, Adam (2006). University of North Carolina football. Charleston, SC: Arcadia. p. 84. ISBN 0-7385-4288-1.